Council chiefs in Cheshire East say they are prepared as snow and ice looks set to hit the Nantwich area tonight and tomorrow (December 16).

They say stockpiles of salt, a new information centre and modern gritting vehicles based at three sites, including Wardle near Nantwich, will help the borough cope with wintry conditions.

The authority is running a “Stay Warm, Stay Well, Stay Safe” campaign in which it is reminding residents of its preparations and actions in gritting and snow-ploughing.

And with forecasts predicting heavy snow later tonight and tomorrow morning in South Cheshire and the Midlands, they may face their first serious test.

Cllr Rod Menlove, cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “Winter weather can be a worrying time for many people, especially those who need to travel. We aim to be as informative as possible in the event of severe weather conditions.

“I want to reassure residents that we have already dealt with snow and ice in Cheshire East this winter and this will continue in the weeks and months ahead.”

The authority has been stock piling salt for gritting since the summer and has new types of gritting vehicles.

It also runs the Cheshire East Council’s online Highways Information Centre, so gritting vehicles can be tracked live as they salt local routes www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways

“We cannot guarantee that the route will be completely ice or snow-free,” added Cllr Menlove.

“What we can do is ensure every effort is made to keep salt stocks high, monitor weather conditions and take the appropriate action.”